8. can someone run your credit report without you knowing about it? explain.

Yes, someone can run your credit report without you knowing about it, but only under specific circumstances regulated by law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs who can access your credit report and under what conditions. Generally, your credit report cannot be accessed by anyone without a "permissible purpose" or your permission. There are two types of credit inquiries: hard and soft. Hard inquiries, such as those made when you apply for a loan or credit card, require your explicit consent. Soft inquiries, however, can be made without your permission, for example by credit card companies managing your existing accounts, lenders making preapproved offers, or employers checking credit with your permission during hiring. Certain entities can also access your credit report without your consent in special cases such as court orders, child support decisions, or professional license applications. Unauthorized access to your credit report is illegal, and violators can be held liable with legal consequences including damages. To protect yourself, use tools like credit freezes and regularly monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.